The Sheriff's Office was completed in early March, on schedule. The lone new building at the town square seems to mark the start of new beginnings. Several other lots, now cleared of debris sport colored placards on stakes now. The mark of the Bank of Maddock, announcing the lot for sale via silent auction.

Along with the odd assortment of just 'passing through' types, it would seem Maddock has gained a doctor. Two in fact, if one can believe that the small Chinese man who has set up tent on the Reformed Church Lawn is in fact a healing man and not a cook.

Nurse Caitlin was quite relieved to hear that Dr Simeon Greely would be staying in town for a while, since Doctor Webster has still yet to return and the accidents up at the Mining Company seem to be coming more frequently. In fact, after the recent death to a miner from a cave-in, there is quiet murmuring that the new Mine Owner, Allister Winthrop, is just too green to know what he is doing.

Among those who are not so quiet about their murmuring is Charles Verguet. There is a reason the man has been living comfortably in town for eight years with no apparent source of income, and it would appear the Mining Company has something to do with that. Course, those who have lived in town long enough usually pay little mind to the Old Man's constant crankiness.

Word that a Blacksmith has wandered into town has all the Ranch Owners scrambling to find out his name. While it is likely the man will get the most business by setting up shop in town, there is a heady competition to try and secure the man full time at the local ranches where such a trade is in high demand. They are even willing to 'overlook' the man's Irish background. Liam O'Donnell will have no difficulty finding work, especially if he can obtain a lot in the auction.

(continued in Two Months III)

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